How do antipsychotic medications primarily function?

Antipsychotic medications primarily function by altering neurotransmitter effects, particularly dopamine. These medications are designed to target dopamine receptors in the brain, which play a critical role in mood and behavior regulation. Many antipsychotics are dopamine antagonist agents, meaning they block dopamine receptors, thereby helping to reduce symptoms associated with psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions.

Dopamine dysregulation is thought to be a key factor in the pathophysiology of various mental health disorders, especially schizophrenia. By modulating the activity of dopamine, antipsychotic medications can help restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to improved symptoms and functioning in affected individuals.

The other options represent mechanisms not primarily associated with the action of antipsychotic medications. While serotonin levels can be relevant in some mood disorders and certain atypical antipsychotics do have serotonin antagonistic effects, the main mechanism remains focused on dopamine. Blocking pain receptors pertains to analgesics rather than antipsychotics, and stimulating the production of endorphins is linked with pain relief and mood enhancement, further distancing these actions from the primary role of antipsychotics.